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Meghan Markle Reveals Nigerian Heritage at Abuja Women’s Leadership Event

12May

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Nigeria, United Kingdom, Women Empowerment

Meghan Markle Reveals Nigerian Heritage at Abuja Women’s Leadership Event

Abuja, Nigeria - Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, revealed her newfound Nigerian heritage during a women's leadership event in Abuja on Saturday. She described the discovery, made through a recent genealogy test, as "humbling" and "eye-opening." "It's been really eye-opening to be able to know more about my heritage and to be able to know this is just the beginning of my discovery," Markle shared with event attendees. She and her husband, Prince Harry, are on their first visit to Nigeria, promoting mental health initiatives for soldiers and young girls. The Duchess expressed her appreciation for the warm reception she received upon sharing her Nigerian roots, saying, "What's been echoed so much really in the past day by men and women alike is 'Oh! We weren't surprised when you ...

Dozens Killed in Brutal Attacks in Zamfara and Plateau States

11May

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Fulani Herdsmen, Nigeria, Safety, Security, Terrorism

Dozens Killed in Brutal Attacks in Zamfara and Plateau States

Bandits have wreaked havoc in Zamfara and Plateau States, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake. At least 30 farmers, including a respected Islamic cleric, were brutally killed in Zamfara, while in Plateau, two herders and over 200 cattle fell victim to the bloodshed. Confirming the attacks in Zamfara, Police Spokesman ASP Yazid Abu Abubakar acknowledged the grim reality but withheld further details pending investigation. "The attacks occurred in two local government areas of the state," Abubakar stated, urging for patience as authorities gather information. Sources close to the incidents revealed that the atrocities unfolded on Thursday, striking fear into the hearts of Zamfara residents. Maradun and Tsafe local government areas bore the brunt of the violence, with...

Nigeria to Become Africa’s Solar Panel and EV Battery Manufacturing Hub

11May

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African Development, Economy, Nigeria

Nigeria to Become Africa’s Solar Panel and EV Battery Manufacturing Hub

Nigeria's President, Bola Tinubu, unveiled ambitious plans for the local production of solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) batteries, positioning the nation as a manufacturing powerhouse within Africa. The declaration, made during the inauguration of Nigeria's largest lithium processing plant in Lafia, Nasarawa State, marked a significant milestone in the country's quest for energy independence and economic growth. Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), underscored the importance of this development, citing it as a testament to Nigeria's attractiveness for foreign investment. "This inauguration signifies Nigeria's appeal for foreign investment and its commitment to becoming a key player in the renewable energy sector," Ngelale stated. Presi...

Rivers Assembly Relocated to Government House Amidst Political Turmoil

11May

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Elections, Legislature, News, Nigeria

Rivers Assembly Relocated to Government House Amidst Political Turmoil

In a move that has further intensified the political crisis in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has issued Executive Order 001, dated October 30, 2023, mandating the temporary relocation of the state House of Assembly's proceedings to the Government House Auditorium. The decision comes in the wake of a fire incident on October 29, 2023, which severely damaged the hallowed chambers of the Assembly, rendering it unsafe for legislative activities. The governor's gazette cited the need for urgent repairs, renovations, and reconstruction of the damaged chambers as the primary reason for the relocation. The relocation order has sparked controversy, especially considering the ongoing political rift between Governor Fubara and Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territo...

House of Representatives Probes Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Contract, Afenifere Demands Project Review

10May

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Corruption, Infrastructure, News, Nigeria

House of Representatives Probes Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Contract, Afenifere Demands Project Review

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. The probe focuses on the procurement process and contract award, which are suspected to violate existing infrastructure regulations. Additionally, the prominent Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has urged the federal government to cease the project, advocating for a critical review of its economic and environmental implications. Alleged Procurement Violations The House of Representatives initiated the investigation upon a motion presented by Hon. Dr. Austin Achado. He alleges that the Federal Ministry of Works, led by Minister Dave Umahi, awarded the 700km highway and rail project to Hitech Construction Company Nigeria Limited throug...

10May

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Breaking News, News, Nigeria, Sports

Ibrahim Babangida Dies in Car Crash

Tragic news struck the football community today with the passing of Ibrahim Babangida, a former Super Eagles player, in a fatal accident on the Zaira road. The accident also involved his brother, Tijani, who serves as the president of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), along with his wife, son, and maid. A somber statement from Emmanuel Babayaro, the General Secretary of PFAN, confirmed Ibrahim's untimely demise in the accident. However, there is a glimmer of hope as Tijani and the rest of his family are reportedly receiving medical attention and are said to be responding positively to treatment. The Nation

10May

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Economy, Employment, Kenya, Labour

Kenyan Doctors End Two-Month Strike

Nairobi, Kenya – After a nearly two-month nationwide strike, Kenyan public hospital doctors have agreed to return to work. The decision brings much-needed relief to millions of Kenyans who rely on public healthcare services that have been severely disrupted by the strike. The strike was sparked by a long-standing dispute regarding inadequate pay and poor working conditions for doctors. Davji Atellah, the union secretary-general, confirmed on May 8th that doctors will resume work, placing their trust in the government to finally address the core issues of the strike. The agreement to end the strike came after a labor court issued a 48-hour deadline for the doctors and the government to reach a resolution, or else the court would intervene. See Also: Nationwide Strike: Some State C...

Building Collapse in South Africa Claims Triggers Investigation

10May

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News, Safety, South Africa

Building Collapse in South Africa Claims Triggers Investigation

George, South Africa – A horrific building collapse in George, South Africa, has left seven people dead and nearly 40 construction workers missing. The tragedy has prompted a massive rescue operation, national mourning, and urgent investigations to determine the cause of the disaster. "We've recovered 36 people, of which, unfortunately, seven are deceased," said Leon van Wyk, the Executive Mayor of George, during a press briefing. "There are still 39 that are unaccounted for, buried somewhere in the rubble behind us. So, the rescue part is still continuing with the operation, but at the same time, what the teams are now doing are preparing for recovery." South African President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his deepest condolences to the families impacted by the building collapse and pled...

Al-Qaeda Linked Group Accused of Mass Killings in Mali

10May

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Mali, News, Security, Terrorism

Al-Qaeda Linked Group Accused of Mass Killings in Mali

BAMAKO, MALI – A new report released by Human Rights Watch (HRW) details a horrifying massacre of villagers in central Mali. The extremist group JNIM, with ties to al-Qaeda, is accused of the January 27th attacks on Ogota and Ouémbé villages. At least 32 people, including three children, were killed. Ethnic Violence and Displacement Witnesses describe the killings as being ethnically motivated. Over 350 homes were burned to the ground, displacing thousands of villagers. HRW's report also highlights another incident on January 6th, where an ethnic armed group killed 13 civilians and abducted 24 in separate villages. “Islamist armed groups and ethnic militias are brutally attacking civilians without fear of prosecution,” stated Ilaria Allegrozzi, senior Sahel researcher at Human Ri...

Kenya: Government and WHO Spearhead Emergency Response

8May

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Kenya, News, Safety

Kenya: Government and WHO Spearhead Emergency Response

The ongoing long rainy season in Kenya, which typically spans from March to May, has unleashed unexpected and devastating downpours, leading to widespread flooding since mid-April. The impact has been severe, with over 286,000 people affected, 47,000 households displaced, and a tragic toll of 238 reported deaths across 37 of the country's 47 counties. Dr. Pius Mutuku, a medical epidemiologist in the Ministry of Health, revealed the dire consequences of the flooding, stating that 14 health facilities have shuttered, and a crucial water treatment plant has been compromised, leaving approximately 3,000 people without access to safe drinking water. Additionally, 44 cases of cholera have been confirmed in Tana River County, one of the hardest-hit areas by the floods. To address the escal...